Nikon D90

The newest mid-range Nikon SLR, the D90 uses the 12.3 Mpix sensor and EXPEED image processor from the D300 to provide remarkably low noise images. It has the Nikon Scene Recognition System and 11 point autofocus along with 3D Color Matrix Metering II – all in all providing superior color balance and exposure control with very rapid autofocus. And automatic face detection is now built into the Scene Recognition System.

The D90 can shoot a 4.5 frames per second and the 920,000 pixel LCD provides excellent visability for image and histogram review. It has 1 button Live View and an ISO range of 200 to 3200. A superb SLR with a brand new feature: its the only Nikon SLR that can also shoot movies (1280 X 720 pixel resolution at 24 fps) with sound. The D90 has a built in lens drive so it will autofocus with older, non AF-S lenses.

The D90 uses SD cards, not CF cards – we don’t want you to get the camera and not have the right cards.

All of our cameras ship with one fully charged battery, the battery charger and a bag. A lens does NOT come with the camera.

For Sale: We have one Nikon D90 that has reached 15 months old and is therefore rotating out of stock. It comes in box with all the original software and accessories. It grades as 9/10 (our grading scale is HERE ) with only a minor scratch on the rear LCD that is invisible when displaying pictures or information. Selling for $699 with a 3 day inspection period during which you can return it for refund if not completely happy, and a 90 day warranty against failure during normal use.

Roger’s take: You know why Southern zoos are better than Northern zoos? Well, a Northern zoo has a little plaque describing the animal and its habitat. Southern zoos include that, and also a recipe. The D90 is the Southern zoo of SLRs: it does all the camera stuff, plus it shoots high-def video. (Yeah, I know, you’re a photographer and you’ll never use the video feature. Sure you won’t.)

Other than that its a great camera at a really great price. How great? DXO shows clearly the D90 does better at high ISO than the D300. Of course its only 11 point autofocus, but they’re 11 really good autofocus points (unlike some brands we won’t mention), and the image quality is excellent.